Why do we celebrate Republic Day in India?

As celebrations spill onto the streets of India and the tri-colour is raised, we present what went down to make India a democratic republic

What does ‘Republic Day’ mean?

Republic Day is celebrated across the country on January 26th every year, as it is the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect in the year 1950. The Indian Independence Act 1947 created the independent country of India, but it did not have a permanent constitution; it was, in fact, still governed by the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935, which came into existence following India’s independence from the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1947.

The Constitution of India

The original text of the opening preamble of the Constitution of India. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Following Independence, a Drafting Committee, chaired by Dr B R Ambedkar, was created on August 28, 1947, to draft the constitution, which would be passed and accepted by the Constituent Assembly. The draft was presented and submitted to the assembly in sessions open to the public, on November 4, 1947, and, after deliberations and amendments that lasted over a two-year period, the Constitution was finally adopted on January 24, 1950 and the laws stated in the Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950 across the country.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chairman, Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution with other members on Aug. 29, 1947. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

A Constituent Assembly of India meeting in 1950. B.R. Ambedkar can be seen seated top-right.

Governor-General C. Rajagopalachari declares India as a Republic at Darbar hall in New Delhi on 26 January 1950. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, chairman of the Drafting Committee, presenting the final draft of the Indian Constitution to Dr. Rajendra Prasad on 25 November, 1949. Credit: Wikimedia Commons